Key information

Related to the shelduck, this pale brown and grey goose has distinctive dark brown eye-patches and contrasting white wing patches in flight. It was introduced as an ornamental wildfowl species and has escaped into the wild, now successfully breeding in a feral state.

What they eat:

Seeds and grass.

Measurements:

Length:

63-73 cm

Wingspan:

1.1-1.3 m

Weight:

1.5 to 2.25 kg

Population:

UK breeding:

1,100 pairs

UK wintering:

3,400 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Egyptian goose (adult)

Feather colour:
BlackBrownCream/buffGreenGreyOrangeWhite

Leg colour:
Pink

Beak:
BlackBrownRedLongDuck-likeChunky

Natural habitats:
FarmlandGrasslandWetland

Egyptian goose (juvenile)

Feather colour:
BlackBrownCream/buffGreenGreyOrangeWhite

Leg colour:
Pink

Beak:
BlackBrownRedLongDuck-likeChunky

Natural habitats:
FarmlandGrasslandWetland

Where and when to see them

Egyptain geese are frequently seen on ornamental ponds where it was originally brought. Now can be seen on gravel pits and lowland lakes and wetlands. The north Norfolk coast holds the highest numbers - also in areas like the Norfolk Broads.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.